Uchi, the elevated Japanese concept founded by James Beard award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, is making its debut in Arizona with a brand new location in Old Town Scottsdale.
Set to open on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 3821 N. Scottsdale Road, Uchi Scottsdale will introduce Phoenicians to Uchi’s distinguishable non-traditional take on Japanese cuisine featuring signature tastings, sushi and a seasonal omakase that Chef Tyson Cole is known for. Translated to “house” in Japanese, Uchi will offer guests a delicate balance of elevated food and impeccable service for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Scottsdale location will be the seventh restaurant to open since Chef Tyson Cole created the original Uchi dining experience in a refurbished South Austin bungalow in 2003 with the simple vision of bringing the intimacy and collaboration of the sushi bar experience to every table in the restaurant. Chef Cole’s innovative take on sushi and signature dishes has been delighting guests from across the country and around the world ever since, with a variety of hot and cool tastings, sushi and sashimi, makimono, yakimono, tempura and an ever-changing omakase (or chef’s choice menu) based on seasonal items
“As a fellow chef here in the Southwest, I’ve always appreciated the vibrant culinary scene in Scottsdale, and the growth over the past few years has truly been incredible,” says Executive Chef Tyson Cole. “We spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect spot to bring Uchi to Scottsdale, and I know our entire team is so excited to finally reveal the results of all of our planning and hard work over the past year plus of getting ready. Most of all, I’d like to thank all the local chefs and the restaurant community here, who have been so supportive and welcoming us to Arizona.”
Diners visiting Uchi Scottsdale can expect to indulge in familiar favorites, along with exclusive Scottsdale-specific menu items, including Lamb Sirloin with roast kabocha purée, cranberry ginger relish and spicy pickled kabocha; Masu Crudo made with ocean trout, Japanese sweet potato and makrut lime leaf; or decadent Wagyu Carpaccio, which is also available at the original Uchi in Austin, Texas.
The space was designed by Hai Design Studio of Hai Hospitality, the award-winning restaurant group behind Uchi, in collaboration with Tucson-based design architect Hazelbaker Rush and Phoenix-based architect of record AV3 Design Studio. Uchi’s interiors explore the intersection of Arizona and Japanese design sensibilities to create a multi-sensory dining experience. Housed inside the longtime Bandera restaurant in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Uchi has been transformed with a sculptural wood ceiling inspired by southwestern ramadas, along with accent artwork and lighting from local and national artists, including Steve Jones and Jeffrey Perkins from Art One Gallery in Scottsdale and Tucson-based artist Sam Okerlund. Uchi Scottsdale seats a total of 207 guests and offers bar seating, as well as an outdoor patio.
In honor of joining the Scottsdale community, Uchi has committed to donating a portion of proceeds during their soft opening from January 25–30 to local charities, including HonorHealth, The Joy Bus, Phoenix Rescue Mission and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
Uchi Scottsdale will be open from Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m.–10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m.–11 p.m. Plus, Happy Hour will be offered daily from 4 p.m.– 6 p.m. Valet parking and to-go options will be available to order via Uchi’s website for pickup, as well as via UberEats for at-home delivery.
To learn more about Uchi Scottsdale or to make a reservation, visit uchirestaurants.com or follow the brand at @uchirestaurants on Instagram.
Photos courtesy Hai Hospitality
